For me, having middle class W-2 income has been instrumental in acquiring my first rental property a few months ago.

So you get out there, get some deals going, make a little here and a little there while learning, and THEN you are in a position to pull off a massive coup such as the one at that link.

I've driven a '13 Honda Civic Coupe for 4 years now.

My loving wife at a key point was instrumental in offering the support to allow our relationship to sustain itself, my confidence levels to be what they needed to be to succeed. 

Were the people who predicted the real estate recession making bold assumptions when they extrapolated from mortgage data and security instruments that housing was profoundly unprofitable and unsustainable?

@Alex Franks I see money as a tool, an instrument used to build your life.

Costs and pre-payment penalties can vary quite a bit from lender to lender so definitely talk to at least a coupe of people before making a decision on who to work with. 

Highly paid professionals that are looking for an alternative to the stock market and other financial instruments.

Real estate is only the instrument. 

I thought the challenge would be getting an accepted offer with a loan that’s highly financed, however I can’t seem to find the right instrument and am not super familiar with the lending industry.